Humuhumunukunukuapua’a

My daughter has just started ukulele lessons and naturally that has me thinking of Hawaii. Here’s a postcard with one of the longest words I’ve ever encountered, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a is Hawaii’s state fish. The fish’s full name has been featured in at least two songs with ukuleles accompaniment (of course): the classic Little Grass Shack and then one from High School Musical 2).

My daughter loved the fish’s name, so she sent a postcard of it to her cat – when we were in Hawaii.

Here’s the back side:

Postcard caption:
“Hawai’i’s State Fish
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) is also known as a Picasso Triggerfish for the geometric markings on its body.”

Postcard message:
“Hi Bella [our cat]! This is a fish you can eat. I mis you! I love Hawaii. Love.”